Audio Video News

Denon today announced the addition of two lower priced, feature-rich AV receivers to its X-Series.

The new AVR-X2600H ($599) and AVR-X1600H ($799) are both Dolby Atmos/DTS:X-equipped 7.2-channel models that support Apple’s AirPlay 2 wireless streaming platform and feature 4K and HDCP 2.3 content on all ports, an auto low-latency mode (ALLM) for “lag-free gaming,” and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for delivering uncompressed audio from a TV over a single HDMI cable.

Dolby Atmos height virtualization technology, which brings height-enhanced surround sound to stereo and 5.1 systems that lack discrete height and surround speakers, will be available via a future firmware update.

Both models also support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range (HDR), 4K/60-Hz video passthrough, 24-bit/192-kHz high-resolution audio (including DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz) and feature a new party mode that distributes audio to a second zone/room via HDMI.

AVR-X2600H upgrades include eight HDMI inputs/two outputs versus six/one for the X1600, four analog inputs versus two for the X1600, 4K/30-Hz upscaling for HD and lower-resolution content, and a pure direct mode that bypasses the main display and analog video circuitry to reduce noise.

Rated 8-ohm power is 80 watts per channel for the X2600H and 95 watts for the X1600H. Both models support streaming via Denon’s HEOS multiroom music platform, Bluetooth, and a number of music services including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and Tidal. Both also work with the popular voice-enabled virtual assistants Alexa (Amazon), Google Assistant, and Siri (Apple) in addition to supporting the custom-installation-oriented Josh.ai platform.

Listeners can use Alexa voice commands for a variety of tasks, including switching inputs for different media players, while Google Assistant and Siri can be used to adjust the volume, skip track, and more.

Other features common to all 2019 X-Series receivers, include:
• Audyssey MultEQ XT automated room-correction with dynamic volume processing (MultEQ editor app available at extra cost)
• DTS Virtual:X for creating an enhanced surround-sound effect from DTS-encoded content
• Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio processing
• 32bit AKM digital-to-audio converter (DAC)
• A quick-setup visual assistant
• Front-panel USB input
• Programmable quick select buttons on the front panel and remote control
• An iOS/Android app for setup and basic AVR control

For more information, visit usa.denon.com.